Quote:
Originally Posted by StatenIslander237
I didn't realize this before following this thread, and then subsequently exploring Birmingham a bit more via Google Earth, but B-ham has some great, quirky neighborhoods in the sense that they have irregular grids that can foster a amazing, symbiotic districts if developed right.
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I'd never really though about it like that, haha. Of course, many of these areas were tiny little villages, landmarks, homesteads, or hamlets before Birmingham was founded in 1873 and their locations just made sense as a place for a few roads to converge among the large street grid. Five Points itself was one of the city's first streetcar suburbs.
Of course, when the white flight occurred, many of these areas (most notably Five Points South, Lakeview, and Avondale) lost their sense of place and have only recently begun to grow into definable boundaries. But, really, I don't think you could ever say Five Points South ever lost its sense of place.
Either way, I love Birmingham's street grid. It gives the city a big advantage over cities like Atlanta or Nashville whose grids aren't as prevalent. It'll definitely be an asset as walk able communities become more and more desirable.